Liverpool’s chances of signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January are dwindling, as the talented Georgian winger looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Kvaratskhelia, who has been a standout performer for Napoli since his arrival, has been linked with several top clubs, including Liverpool, but recent developments suggest that PSG have moved to the forefront of the race to secure his signature.
Liverpool’s Interest in Kvaratskhelia
- Initial Interest: Liverpool had reportedly shown interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the dynamic left-winger who has impressed across multiple competitions with his speed, dribbling, and creativity. Liverpool were understood to be exploring the possibility of signing him this January, particularly as they were looking to strengthen their squad in the wide areas.
- Opportunistic Approach: The club was said to be ready to act quickly if an opportunity arose to sign Kvaratskhelia at the right price, given the player’s potential and his ability to add depth to Liverpool’s attack.
Kvaratskhelia’s Desire to Leave Napoli
- Napoli’s Struggles: Despite his individual brilliance, Kvaratskhelia has had a mixed experience at Napoli, especially with the club facing challenges in maintaining their previous season’s form in Serie A and European competitions. This uncertainty has led the winger to reconsider his future at the club.
- Exit Request: Sources confirm that Kvaratskhelia has informed Napoli boss Antonio Conte of his desire to leave the club this January. The Georgian international reportedly feels ready for a new challenge and has communicated his intentions to move on from Naples, opening the door for potential suitors.
PSG’s Growing Interest
- Verbal Agreement with PSG: While Liverpool was initially considered a potential destination, PSG have emerged as the favorites to sign Kvaratskhelia. The French club is said to have reached a verbal agreement with the player, marking a significant step toward a deal being finalized.
- Negotiation Stage: While the verbal agreement is a promising sign, the deal is still subject to both the player and PSG reaching an agreement on terms and finalizing the deal with Napoli. Kvaratskhelia’s agent is reportedly in discussions with PSG to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the terms of the transfer.
The Implications for Liverpool
- Missed Opportunity: If PSG and Kvaratskhelia finalize their agreement, Liverpool will likely miss out on one of their prime targets for January. This is a blow to their plans of bolstering their squad with a winger of Kvaratskhelia’s quality, especially given his standout performances in both Serie A and the Champions League.
- Squad Needs: Liverpool is still expected to continue their search for attacking reinforcements as Arne Slot looks to add more quality to the squad. If Kvaratskhelia moves to PSG, Liverpool may turn their attention to other targets in the coming weeks.
PSG’s Motivation
- Strategic Signing: For PSG, securing Kvaratskhelia would be a significant coup, especially considering their need for a wide player to complement the attacking options they already have, such as Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. Kvaratskhelia’s flair and creativity would add another dimension to their already potent attack.
While Liverpool’s interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was real, it seems increasingly likely that PSG will win the race for his signature this January. The winger’s desire to leave Napoli, combined with PSG’s proactive approach and a verbal agreement, makes this deal look almost certain to go through. This leaves Liverpool with the challenge of exploring other options to improve their squad for the remainder of the season.